The distinguished artist Omara Portuondo and researcher Teresita Hernández Corrales were awarded, in Havana, the Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Rosette, which was conferred on them by his majesty Naruto, Emperor of Japan, last May, in the first year of Reiwa (2019), for their contributions to strengthening the friendship between the two countries - this year celebrating the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The presentation of the certificates and orders granted by the Japanese government was made by the country’s ambassador to Cuba, Kazuhiro Fujimura, who, before awarding the two distinctions, read a congratulatory message sent to the honorees from Foreign Minister Taro Kono.
During the ceremony, held at the ambassador's residence, with family members, friends, co-workers, and embassy staff on hand, Kazuhiro Fujimura highlighted the merits for which the two women were granted this coveted recognition.
Omara, he said, has visited Japan on more than 18 occasions since 1969, to delight Japanese audiences with her exquisite performances, including the concert offered three weeks after the Great East Japan Earthquake which occurred in 2011; while Teresita - who for 20 years has directed the House of Asia Museum in Havana, affiliated with City Historian’s Office - has contributed to mutual understanding between Japan and Cuba, through the celebration of multiple cultural events, including the Day of Japanese Culture and the free Japanese language course open to the public.
The diplomat urged both winners to maintain their special bond through initiatives that promote friendship between the two nations. Omara, for her part, thanked Emperor Naruhito, the ambassador, and the government of Japan for the award and said that she surely hopes to continue visiting the country and its people, whenever possible, to bring them the best of her music and the friendship of all Cubans; while Teresita expressed her gratitude for the honor, saying: “Japan is a country that I hold in my heart,” and thanked the embassy for all the help it provides the institution she heads, as well as the Japan Foundation and the country’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
